mawashi
Hall of Fame
Hmmm, that might explain the lower swing weight.
Review of HEAD IG Prestige Mid and IG Prestige MP
- Thread starter vsbabolat
- Start date
Hmmm, that might explain the lower swing weight.
PED
Legend
Next time I change grommets on my TGK's I'm going to test out the clear caps to see the difference for myself. Thanks for the heads up everyone!
-Fuji
I would suggest you save yourself the time and money
The clear caps on my igrp are six weeks old and already need replacing. I could go 8 months on the black caps on my ytpp. The feel probably would be different but I wish the clear had the durability of the black ones.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
That's disappointing but I think that I will go with the black caps on the YTs. I will also go with the black caps if I ever need to replace them (I may sell them if I decide to stay with the YTs).
The only caps available for tgk260.2s are the clear caps so no choice there.
The only caps available for tgk260.2s are the clear caps so no choice there.
PED
Legend
I saw in another thread that someone was able to fit the black ones on the igrp but the channel at the bottom of the igrp hoop is different to the prestige pro and I didn't want to have to frankenstein them on there.
Plus, I called Head and they said they wouldn't fit
Fuji
Legend
I would suggest you save yourself the time and money
The clear caps on my igrp are six weeks old and already need replacing. I could go 8 months on the black caps on my ytpp. The feel probably would be different but I wish the clear had the durability of the black ones.
Really?! That's brutal. I would have never guessed that durability was THAT bad.
Thanks for the heads up bud!
-Fuji
audioaffliction
Semi-Pro
Update: I'm now more convinced than ever that the White CAPs feel different from the Black CAPs. I strung both my IG Prestige Mids with Head Sonic Pro at the same tension (50m/48c) and hit with both today. Same results: White CAPs feel softer, Black CAPs feel crisper. The ONLY possible difference between the two sticks now is the Sonic Pro itself—I had one set in Orange and one set in Black. Does anyone happen to know if the two different Sonic Pro colors feel different?
Racquet Daddy
Rookie
Black CAPs just make the Prestige play better. It's science. I acquired another IG Mid this weekend. Going to try YT/MG CAPs this time around. I have Liquidmetal on the other one.
Anton
Legend
Redondo is softer feeling, but is also a lot less stable without lead. I wouldn't say it is better for your elbow unless you muscle the weight.
I think you should try the new IG, I think it's the best Prestige Mid to date.
Lucky me, I wandered into the Play-it again next to my local shop the other day and they had a BRAND NEW mid, not a scratch on the CAP or any wear on the strings. I got it for a $100! The only thing is that the grip is 5/8 and I use 3/8. I think I'm gonna swap the pallet off of a cracked LM I have and restring it. I can't wait to try it out!
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Ive stocked up on the black grommets... I just cant abide milky white ones. The new IGPMP has taken a bit of getting used to but the greater arm friendliness has been wonderful.
Oh and one more thing (not to start a trend BUT) when I first put the black grommets on I couldnt find the small throat channel grommets so the stringer rooted around and came up with some black ones from a radical MP that fit. They werent as tall and it gave the racket a lot more thump and made it all feel mushier... hella thump on forehands and flat serves actually. If you want more thump from the MP you might want to try those, it was Soderling-esque.
Me I didn't enjoy the added power and the correct grommets give me precision on consistency I love in the prestige line. Power is not something I need from a frame.
Oh and one more thing (not to start a trend BUT) when I first put the black grommets on I couldnt find the small throat channel grommets so the stringer rooted around and came up with some black ones from a radical MP that fit. They werent as tall and it gave the racket a lot more thump and made it all feel mushier... hella thump on forehands and flat serves actually. If you want more thump from the MP you might want to try those, it was Soderling-esque.
Me I didn't enjoy the added power and the correct grommets give me precision on consistency I love in the prestige line. Power is not something I need from a frame.
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klementine
Hall of Fame
Has Head's QC gone down-hill?
All the Mg sticks I've purchased have been within 4grams of stated specs (+/-2g).
I recently acquired an IgPresMp and it's 9grams over. 329g unstrung. 352gr strung w/ og and damp. 12.4oz and 9ptsHL with a much heftier sw than tw's tested.
All the sticks measured at the shop were around the same ball park average as well. All L4 grips.
Nice stick though. Not as quick moving as other Mp's (even the ig demo), reminiscent of the 6.1, sluggish.
BTW- if anyone knows how much the packaging weighs on these ig's, it would be helpful. I know the plastic handle wrap weighs in at 2gr. But how much for the cardboard insert?
All the Mg sticks I've purchased have been within 4grams of stated specs (+/-2g).
I recently acquired an IgPresMp and it's 9grams over. 329g unstrung. 352gr strung w/ og and damp. 12.4oz and 9ptsHL with a much heftier sw than tw's tested.
All the sticks measured at the shop were around the same ball park average as well. All L4 grips.
Nice stick though. Not as quick moving as other Mp's (even the ig demo), reminiscent of the 6.1, sluggish.
BTW- if anyone knows how much the packaging weighs on these ig's, it would be helpful. I know the plastic handle wrap weighs in at 2gr. But how much for the cardboard insert?
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Klem, not sure if that higher swingweight was actually measured or just perceived, but the IG Prestige MPs swing heavier than their listed swingweights. Corners explained that it's in the weight distribution being more in the throat, which can make a stick feel more sluggish to some as opposed to a more polarized frame.
Unfortunately for me, my otherwordly epic demo experience of the IG MP was never matched by the frame I purchased, as the balance was different and I could never seem to replicate the sweet swinging demo frame I had.
klementine
Hall of Fame
^Yup, disappointing to say the least. I recall your experience with the IG.
The sw measured 322 strung on the rdc. It still plays nicely. Definitely more power available than the Mg version but not as balanced as the demo I enjoyed months ago. 9ptsHL with og, strung is just a little too head light for me.
The only option for me now is to add a little lead at the tip and replace the grip with something lighter than the hydrosorb tour. I wanted leather on this bad boy but that's out of the question now.
The longer pallet is a bonus, pj is great and it's more comfortable than the previous Yt version. I could have worked with 4-5gr over but 9gr just crossed that line.
Guess I was just unlucky.
The sw measured 322 strung on the rdc. It still plays nicely. Definitely more power available than the Mg version but not as balanced as the demo I enjoyed months ago. 9ptsHL with og, strung is just a little too head light for me.
The only option for me now is to add a little lead at the tip and replace the grip with something lighter than the hydrosorb tour. I wanted leather on this bad boy but that's out of the question now.
The longer pallet is a bonus, pj is great and it's more comfortable than the previous Yt version. I could have worked with 4-5gr over but 9gr just crossed that line.
Guess I was just unlucky.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
What's funny is that your spec sounds possibly a bit more like the demo I enjoyed. It was heavier static but more HL, whereas the one I purchased was lighter stock weight but swung heavier/not as HL. So still some potential for a great frame, there. Just depends.
klementine
Hall of Fame
That's too funny... :smile:
Just replaced the grip with a prince resi-pro and cut 4gr (hydrosorb=19gr trimmed, resi-pro=15gr trimmed). So now strung, no lead, tourna and a rubber band, 348gr, 8pts.HL
A little more to my liking, in the 325 unstrung range. Might move a couple of grams up at the tip now but want to play it stock for awhile.
Really nice frame feel wise. Just enough comfort and stiffness. Interesting Head dropped the min/max suggested tension. The Mg's were 50-60 I believe, these Ig's are 48-57. Got mine at 52 with some kirschbaum in it. Don't like it all that much. Will re-string with nrg2/fortensweet some time this week.
Just replaced the grip with a prince resi-pro and cut 4gr (hydrosorb=19gr trimmed, resi-pro=15gr trimmed). So now strung, no lead, tourna and a rubber band, 348gr, 8pts.HL
A little more to my liking, in the 325 unstrung range. Might move a couple of grams up at the tip now but want to play it stock for awhile.
Really nice frame feel wise. Just enough comfort and stiffness. Interesting Head dropped the min/max suggested tension. The Mg's were 50-60 I believe, these Ig's are 48-57. Got mine at 52 with some kirschbaum in it. Don't like it all that much. Will re-string with nrg2/fortensweet some time this week.
What is the reason for the drop in rec. tension (MG and YT rec tension is 52-62)? Is it safe for me to string at 62 as I would've with my previous prestiges? I tried 55/57 and it felt too soft and powerful.
klementine
Hall of Fame
I stand corrected, thanks pkfan, the rec tension on the mg's and yt's was 52/62 and not 50/60 as I had stated.
Don't really know the reason why Head made the switch. Maybe they were replacing too many sticks under warranty and chalked up the reason to high string tensions?
Maybe.
Or they could've just decided from testing that the racquet plays optimal from 48-57lbs.? Since polys are so prevelant nowadays, lower tensions are optimal. More and more pros are dropping tenions as well.
I never pay attention to the recommended tension anyway. Just thought it was interesting that they did decide to drop it.
Don't really know the reason why Head made the switch. Maybe they were replacing too many sticks under warranty and chalked up the reason to high string tensions?
Maybe.
Or they could've just decided from testing that the racquet plays optimal from 48-57lbs.? Since polys are so prevelant nowadays, lower tensions are optimal. More and more pros are dropping tenions as well.
I never pay attention to the recommended tension anyway. Just thought it was interesting that they did decide to drop it.
Add me to the list of people wowed by the ne IG Prestige MP. Demoed the MP as well as the Pro, and I'm ordering a pair of the MP as soon as I return the demos. I also picked up a pair of MG MP locally for a good price, and set one up with my preferred setup (leather/SuperGrap, BHB7 at 55#), and that setup seems to be just right for the Prestige, but I really like the way the IG feels on impact. Thinking I'll order a pair of the IG and set them up the same, and then either keep all 4 (2 IG, 2 MG), or trade in the 2 MG on one more IG.
anontennis
New User
This is frustrating. Noticed the Youtek Prestige Mid was *finally* on sale. Quickly demoed the IG Prestige Mid and MP before going for the sale price... Will definitely be going for the IG Prestige Mid when YTK Prestige Mid's die.
On a side note: a poster mentioned he went for the IG Prestige Mid over YTK Prestige Mid simply because of the TW review - You need to try these for yourself. While I agree the IG is better than the YTK, The TW review for the YTK Prestige Mid was pathetic IMHO. Some people can't handle certain racquets.
On a side note: a poster mentioned he went for the IG Prestige Mid over YTK Prestige Mid simply because of the TW review - You need to try these for yourself. While I agree the IG is better than the YTK, The TW review for the YTK Prestige Mid was pathetic IMHO. Some people can't handle certain racquets.
MAXXply
Hall of Fame
Was it ever a structural/engineering necessity that the Prestige Midplus 98 headsize frames HAD to be beamwidth 20-21mm? I mean, is there a reason why it HAS to be that width and not the same 19mm as found in the Mid? I've always dreamt of a Prestige MP98 in a boxy 18-19mm beam just like the Pro Staff. Was it just a phony design thing to differentiate the beamwidth from the Mids?
BagelMe
Semi-Pro
Been using the Prestige MP since the Flexpoint iteration.
This is by far my favorite. I think the IG is definitely lighter, maybe a little more hollow feeling but the power is amazing. Wow...
I can't say it has improved my game tremendously but I am very happy with the feel and power!
The CAP grommets are interesting.. Lol...they're certainly not ugly or cheap, if anything I think it makes the racket different and refreshed.
This is by far my favorite. I think the IG is definitely lighter, maybe a little more hollow feeling but the power is amazing. Wow...
I can't say it has improved my game tremendously but I am very happy with the feel and power!
The CAP grommets are interesting.. Lol...they're certainly not ugly or cheap, if anything I think it makes the racket different and refreshed.
Had my first hit with the MP set up to my specs (leather grip, OG, BHB7 @ 54#) tonight, and it is a serious improvement over the Microgel I had been using. I hear what VSB says about the frame not being overly muted, but it's much more plush in my opinion than the MG (or FXP which I used before the MG).
chizzle
Rookie
Are you talking about the IG ? It seems even plusher than the YT version.
Funny, I have a leather grip I was contemplating (versus using / adding weight in the handle) , and a set of BHB7...
I have used Black Widow 17 as my main string so far...
Yeah - I've got a new pair of the IG Prestiges.
The leather grip is always my default mod to a frame. It really makes the Prestige feel even faster through the air, and I feel the bevels more, which I love.
I've never used BW, but the BHB7 plays really well in the Prestige. I strung it at 54#, and for my swing, that feels about right. I have a MG MP strung with BHB7 at 55#, and that one feels a little tinny, so not sure if that's a result of string or frame, but I was pleasantly surprised with how the IG responded to that string and tension.
schap02
Semi-Pro
which prostaff - the 6,1 or the heavier one, I got the 6.1 back before hey were released, loved it but slowly over the next 4 months I started getting the worst arm pain ever, same strings, back to prestige mp, pain free
ZeroSkid
Banned
the newest one but leaded up, I wish Prestige Mp was closer to the mid, thinner beam and same throat design
54 lbs? Let me know how it plays - I love Alu in a Prestige, but I want a reason not to use my credit at TW on a reel of Alu.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
Hit with the YT Prestige MP and IG Prestige MP, both with new full poly. Unfortunately the balls were a little dead but I don't think that matters much.
I felt that the IG Prestige MP was fine with full poly. I'd say that it made it feel more boardy - you know that the strings were stiff but you couldn't feel it. It made a thwump but it was dampened. I could feel the vibrations on the YT Prestige MP which also had lead at 3/9.
I felt that the IG Prestige MP was fine with full poly. I'd say that it made it feel more boardy - you know that the strings were stiff but you couldn't feel it. It made a thwump but it was dampened. I could feel the vibrations on the YT Prestige MP which also had lead at 3/9.
Racquet Daddy
Rookie
I have Liquidmetal CAPs in one, and Microgel in another. For some reason I remember liking the way the MG CAPs went in, but I probably couldn't tell a difference now.
Just an observation after some hitting this weekend - this frame takes gut in the mains like few other frames I've played. Played a set against a big hitting friend of mine, and was consistently keeping him off balance by just hitting heavily spun groundies in the back 1/3 of the court. I've used the gut/poly hybrid before, but have never had this level of satisfaction with it, even in other Prestiges or 18x20 frames.
I've got a 3rd MP arriving today with Adrenaline in it at 54#, so we'll see how that plays, but right now I'm leaning toward a gut/poly setup for the foreseeable future.
I've got a 3rd MP arriving today with Adrenaline in it at 54#, so we'll see how that plays, but right now I'm leaning toward a gut/poly setup for the foreseeable future.
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
I played two sets with the IG Prestige MP today and I think that I'm going to make it my regular racquet for a while. The strings are not ideal but I'm going to try it for a while to see if it feels better after a while. If not, then I'll probably go back to RIP Control 17 or maybe Fluoro. I was able to hit some really hard forehands with this frame including one that I haven't been able to hit before.
Sometimes I feel that this frame is a little too dampened but maybe a livelier string will fix that. It did feel better (in terms of feedback) with RIP Control.
Sometimes I feel that this frame is a little too dampened but maybe a livelier string will fix that. It did feel better (in terms of feedback) with RIP Control.
Tennisguy3000
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the feedback & review ;-) I am going to demo this stick soon. Are you still finding it arm friendly/plush?
I used to play full poly (Sonic Pro 1.25, 25/24) for almost half a year and have changed the setup to Rip Control 1.30 mains and Sonic Pro 1.25 crosses. Much better feel and feedback. The only downside is that the hybrid lasts only 4 hours.
During the summer I play only on clay and I think MP is really low powered racquet. The points last longer on clay and as soon as you are not optimally positioned or on defense a livelier string brings better response and makes it easier to keep the ball long.
I am also having a gut/poly hybrid on the second racquet and it plays even a bit better than my current setup. The serves and volley are just outstanding. So much power, so much feel and so much directional control. My guess is I strung it too loose (Tonic 25/Sonic Pro 24) and will strung it 2kg higher with the half set I still have. However in the long run I don't think it will be a keeper, because of the price. On the other hand I played 3 hours with it so far and it looks like it will last at least 5 more.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
Cannot believe I read most of these posts! Keep up the interesting thread!
Stein
New User
harryz
Professional
Hit several hours with the Mid and MP this weekend
Had been playing with Dunlop 100s, 200s and 200 tours (4D) but found the 4D200T too heavy-- and I love heavy sticks-- and the 100 too light. AG200 and 4D200 are both great sticks but not good enough on serve for me.
Hit with the mid on Friday briefly and for several hours today. Great fun for hitting and reminded me of the PC 600s I used for years. Alas, except for the MGPM I've been disappointed with recent versions of the frame until the IG. What a stick!
But then came the MP. After 5 minutes I realized the Chris and others on TW are spot on. This is the one. Stable, predictable and precise. I felt like I could hit the ball flat or with topspin and put it wherever I wanted, with pace ranging from 50-90% of full power while keeping depth and consistency. Unreal frame. Demo has a full poly bed and (unlike the 4D200T) it doesn't hurt my arm at all, even though it is tight-- maybe 55lbs- for a poly (RPM and Red Code crosses, I believe). The grip shape leaves a small bit to be desired for me, but I'll tinker with it and use leather and tourna. No lead needed despite the low SW. I'll be getting a few and am already successfully selling off my Dunlops, thank goodness. Thanks to all of you for this thread.
Harry
Had been playing with Dunlop 100s, 200s and 200 tours (4D) but found the 4D200T too heavy-- and I love heavy sticks-- and the 100 too light. AG200 and 4D200 are both great sticks but not good enough on serve for me.
Hit with the mid on Friday briefly and for several hours today. Great fun for hitting and reminded me of the PC 600s I used for years. Alas, except for the MGPM I've been disappointed with recent versions of the frame until the IG. What a stick!
But then came the MP. After 5 minutes I realized the Chris and others on TW are spot on. This is the one. Stable, predictable and precise. I felt like I could hit the ball flat or with topspin and put it wherever I wanted, with pace ranging from 50-90% of full power while keeping depth and consistency. Unreal frame. Demo has a full poly bed and (unlike the 4D200T) it doesn't hurt my arm at all, even though it is tight-- maybe 55lbs- for a poly (RPM and Red Code crosses, I believe). The grip shape leaves a small bit to be desired for me, but I'll tinker with it and use leather and tourna. No lead needed despite the low SW. I'll be getting a few and am already successfully selling off my Dunlops, thank goodness. Thanks to all of you for this thread.
Harry
harryz
Professional
This is EXACTLY my experience to a T
A friend has the YTMP and it's nice but feels less substantial to me than the IG. Much less.
A friend has the YTMP and it's nice but feels less substantial to me than the IG. Much less.
